Sam Pitroda praises Modi as a 'very loving Gujarati friend' amid Sonia Gandhi's memoir criticisms
Former adviser Sam Pitroda highlighted his personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Modi responded with Diwali greetings, as Sonia Gandhi's memoir notes ideological differences between them.
Sam Pitroda said his disagreements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are ideological rather than personal, adding that he can still share a meal and laugh with the leader. "I may have issues with his views of the world. I may have issues with his ideology. But that’s a separate issue; that’s not against the individual," he told IANS.
Modi replied on X, addressing Pitroda as “Sam Bhai” and wishing him and his wife, Anjana, a happy Diwali and Gujarati New Year, writing, "Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath!"
In her memoir "Belonging: A journey of love," Sonia Gandhi described her ideological differences with Modi, stating that their ideas of India are "vastly different" and noting limited personal interaction at official events.
Pitroda has previously praised Modi, including comments in June 2023 that the prime minister deserved respect as the leader of the world’s most populous country, and remarks in April 2024 about U.S. inheritance tax that sparked controversy. He also faced criticism from the Congress party for remarks on ethnic diversity and China, leading to brief distancing by party officials.
The latest exchange underscores the personal rapport Pitroda claims to have with Modi despite broader political disagreements highlighted in Gandhi’s memoir.